Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
08:28
Using Pharmacological Manipulation and High-precision Radio Telemetry to Study the Spatial Cognition in Free-ranging Animals
Published on: November 6, 2016
Should scientists think? Comment on Machado and Silva (2007)
1University College London and University of Oxford. hakwan@gmail.com
The American Psychologist
|October 11, 2007
Summary
Neural activity in the medial frontal cortex reflects conscious intentions, regardless of their causal role. This study supports the neural basis for the subjective feeling of willing one's actions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- The study addresses a debate regarding the neural representation of conscious motor intentions in the medial frontal cortex.
- It clarifies that the claim is about the neural correlates of the subjective experience of intention, not its causal efficacy or origin.
Discussion:
- The author refutes the challenge that conscious intentions cannot be 'unmoved movers' by stating this was not the original claim.
- The discussion emphasizes that the neural basis for the conscious feeling of intending actions can be studied independently of their causal role.
Key Insights:
- Neural activity in a specific medial frontal brain region correlates with the conscious experience of motor intention.
- Empirical evidence supports the view that conscious intentions do not need to be causally effective to be studied.
- The subjective feeling of willing actions is a valid target for neuroscientific investigation.
Outlook:
- Further research can explore the precise neural mechanisms underlying the subjective experience of intention.
- This work may inform future studies on volition and agency.
- Investigating the medial frontal cortex's role in conscious awareness of intention remains a key area.
Related Concept Videos
01:32The Scientific Method
The scientific method is a detailed, empirical problem-solving process used by biologists and other scientists. This iterative approach involves formulating a question based on observation, developing a testable potential explanation for the observation (called a hypothesis), making and testing predictions based on the hypothesis, and using the findings to create new hypotheses and predictions.Generally, predictions are tested using carefully-designed experiments. Based on the outcome of these...
02:40The Scientific Method
Research is what makes the difference between facts and opinions. Facts are observable realities, and opinions are personal judgments, conclusions, or attitudes that may or may not be accurate. In the scientific community, facts can be established only using evidence collected through empirical research.
03:50The Scientific Method
Chemistry is an empirical science. Scientists often pose questions to understand the chemistry in everyday life and seek answers to these questions. To achieve this, scientists follow a definitive series of steps that together make up the Scientific Method. This approach involves making observations, asking questions, building a hypothesis, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and forming a conclusion.
01:38Limits to Natural Selection
Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, natural selection does not lead to perfectly adapted organisms. Several factors constrain natural selection.For one, natural selection can only act upon existing genetic variation. Hypothetically, redtusks may enhance elephant survival by deterring ivory-seeking poachers. However, if there are no gene variants—or alleles—for redtusks, natural selection cannot increase the prevalence of...
01:23Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
In a study where individuals posing as strangers offered compliments and proposed casual sex to students, the responses differed significantly based on gender. Not a single woman accepted the proposal, while 70% of the men agreed. This outcome provides a useful scenario to explore through the lens of evolutionary psychology and social learning theory, highlighting the diverse perspectives on human sexual behaviors.
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
01:07Speciation Rates
Speciation can proceed at markedly different rates, and evolutionary biologists commonly describe these differences through the models of gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. Both patterns explain how new species arise, but they differ in the tempo and continuity of evolutionary change. In both cases, evolutionary change arises from heritable variation within populations, with natural selection often shaping traits that improve survival and reproduction under specific environmental conditions.